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Looking for fun things to do as a family after opening gifts on Christmas Day on Long Island, or perhaps you are not celebrating and wondering what is open on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25? While many businesses are closed, there are a few kid-friendly destinations open, plus plenty of holiday activities, both indoors and out, to keep the group entertained. In fact, we’ve rounded up 12 activities the whole family can enjoy on Christmas Day.
For more seasonal fun, be sure to check out our Long Island Family Activity Calendar and our Holiday Fun Guide for Long Island kids. Plus, we have our best bets for things to do over the school vacation.
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Go see the long-awaited blockbuster Avatar: Way of Water. Photo courtesy 20th Century Studios
Things To Do Christmas Day on Long Island
1. See a Movie
The long-awaited sequel to the first Avatar movie, Avatar: Way of Water was released over the weekend and is a good bet for teens and older. Families with younger kids can catch Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, which hails from the Shrek universe.
Gaze in awe at the decorated holiday windows in Manhattan. Photo by Jody Mercier
7. Day Trip Into NYC
Is there a place more magical at Christmas than Manhattan? Take a quiet but festive holiday walk, or a visit to one of these NYC hot spots that remain open on the holiday, including theaters and museums. You can even check something off our holiday bucket list for Christmas in NYC!
8. Go Bowling
Many of the area’s bowling alleys are open, perhaps on an abbreviated schedule. Call ahead for lanes in Nassau County and Suffolk County to see what is open near you.
9. Enjoy Dinner Out
There are several Long Island restaurants open on Christmas Day, so take advantage of the chance to have someone else cook (and clean up) for you.
RELATED: Polar Express and Holiday Train Trips for Christmas
Take in the brightly lit lanterns at the New York Winter Lantern Festival in Suffolk County. Photo courtesy of the festival
1o. See Lanterns Light Up the Night
Come nightfall, why not check out one of the light festivals currently illuminating Long Island.
11. Volunteer
It’s the season for giving, so why not give a bit of your time to those less fortunate by volunteering on Christmas Day? You can adopt a family for the season, donate toys, or perhaps work in a soup kitchen on Christmas Day.
12. Groove and Glide
United Skates is holding a special Christmas Day hip-hop skate, running from 7pm-10pm. Tickets are just $12, and it’s best to purchase in advance. Admission includes skate rental. Spectators can attend for just $6.
A version of this post was first published in 2016.
